Press Release: Step it Up Results

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January 5, 2017 - for immediate release

Media contacts: 

Jessica VanGinhoven, Ottawa County Parks: (616) 405-3999

Amy Sheele, Ottawa County Department of Public Health: (616) 393-5799 

Step it Up! Walking Challenge sees excellent results this fall!

wrap up party photos
NCT

In seven weeks, the 404 Step it Up! participants walked 71,174 miles. Participants would have walked the entire North Country Trail (4,600 miles) over 15 times. 

The Step it Up Fall Colors program challenged participants to walk 225 miles over a seven week period. Every step participants took throughout the challenge counted toward their end goal. The 225-mile challenge represented a virtual hike along a Michigan segment of the North Country Trail. As participants recorded their weekly activity, they could also track their progress along the trail by using an interactive map that the county's IT/GIS department created. 

In an effort to help participants get their steps in each week, they were invited to weekly group walks at several Ottawa County Parks, led by Parks naturalist guides.

"We've been so pleased with the results of Step it Up this year," said Ottawa County Department of Public Health educator, Amy Sheele. "It has really motivated participants to get moving and visit more parks. Of the individuals that completed our program surveys, nearly 40% reported an increase in their level of physical activity from the beginning of the Step It Up Challenge to the end! The average participant walked 216 miles over seven weeks."

Participants enjoyed the experience. In a survey following the program walk participants reported: 

  • Great program to encourage people to exercise and use the county park system.
  • I loved this program! It motivated me to get walking again! I moved back to Holland two years ago and I learned a lot about the parks in Ottawa County through this program! I will be buying a pass and keep visiting our parks! Thank you very much!
  • It has helped us lose weight and feel so much better.
  • Prior to this challenge my daily steps were closer to 5,000 and since doing program I'm between 7,000-10,000 and some days way more. It challenged me to park further away and keep pedometer with me when walking around my house for a true count of my steps. Thanks for the motivation.

A Healthy Catalyst Grant Award was awarded to Ottawa County Parks through mParks and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, allowing the fall program to continue to be offered to participants free-of-charge. Grant funding covered the cost of walking guides, route signage, Fitbits for weekly incentives, water bottles for participants, and a celebration at the end of the challenge. 

Grant funding has been secured by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health to continue the program next spring and fall. Those interested can sign up to learn more by subscribing to our emails (miOttawa.org/Connect). The spring program will launch in April 2017.

"Step it Up is a great example of collaboration in our local government," said Parks spokeswoman Jessica VanGinhoven. "Across many departments we have been able to work together to create a program that is effective and enjoyable, and funded through existing grants. We are excited to offer it again in 2017."


Save the dates: Keep It Active - Winter Walks

Don’t hibernate…... activate!  These winter walks are a continuation of the Step it Up guided walks previously offered this fall. Join parks naturalists for a one-hour “sauntering”  walk.  Meet new people, discover a new Ottawa County park or enjoy the same one in a different season. When there is adequate snow, we will use snowshoes! 

  • Jan 5, 5:30-6:30 pm Paw Paw East
  • Jan 17, 9:30-10:30 am Grand Ravines North
  • Jan 19, 5:30-6:30 pm Pine Bend County Park
  • Jan 27, 9:30-10:30 am North Ottawa Dunes
  • Feb 7, 9:30-10:30 am  Riverside Park
  • Feb 24, 5:30-6:30 pm Upper Macatawa Natural Area
  • Mar 2, 5:30-6:30 pm Grand Ravines Park

Registration is strongly encouraged.


Featured Trails Walking Guide

Ottawa County has walking guides available for distribution at work sites, churches, community groups, etc. If you'd like us to provide brochures, please let us know and we can coordinate a drop off.

You can download it in English or Spanish here. 

featured trail guide